BRIDGEWATER — The Bridgewater Township Council on Monday voted 4-1 to transfer the township's 911 emergency dispatch to the Somerset County call center, despite a strong showing of emergency responders expressing their opposition to the move at the council meeting, according to a report in Patch.

Councilman Matthew Moench, casting the only dissenting vote, said there was no evidence that the county dispatch service would be equal to the services provided by local dispatchers for residents, especially concerning communications between Bridgewater officers, according to the report.

Mayor Daniel Hayes said previously that the move could conservatively save taxpayers $4.5 million over 10 years, which would then grow to $729,000 savings each year as transition expenses are funded. Police Chief Borden said he is committed to the council's decision, as long as the county dedicates a radio channel exclusively for the use of Bridgewater Police, Patch said.